In a breathtaking display of cricket prowess, KL Rahul etched his name in the annals of the ICC Cricket World Cup history by scoring India’s fastest century. The middle-order maestro achieved this remarkable feat during India’s clash against the Netherlands at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Rahul’s explosive innings saw him reach the century mark in just 64 balls, surpassing the previous record held by India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma. The innings comprised 11 boundaries and four towering sixes, showcasing Rahul’s aggressive yet elegant style of play.
Rahul’s Record-Breaking Knock
Rahul’s scintillating century came at a striking strike rate of over 159, leaving spectators in awe of his batting prowess. This historic achievement dethrones Rohit Sharma, who held the title for India’s fastest century in the current World Cup. Sharma had set the previous record by reaching the three-figure mark in 63 balls against Afghanistan in a match held in Delhi. Rahul’s innings further solidifies his status as a key contributor to India’s batting lineup.
In the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup, KL Rahul has been a standout performer for India. In nine matches, he has amassed 347 runs at an impressive average of 69.40 and a strike rate exceeding 93. This includes a century and a fifty, with his highest score being the record-breaking 102 against the Netherlands. Rahul currently stands as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in the tournament, trailing behind Virat Kohli (594), Rohit Sharma (503), and Shreyas Iyer (421).
Expanding the focus beyond the World Cup, KL Rahul has had a stellar year in ODIs. In 22 matches and 20 innings played in 2023, he has amassed 878 runs at an outstanding average of 67.53, with an unbeaten 111* being his highest individual score. His prolific form includes two centuries and five half-centuries, establishing him as a reliable and consistent middle-order batsman for India.
India’s Dominance Against the Netherlands
In the match against the Netherlands, India asserted its dominance by posting a formidable total of 410/4 in the allocated fifty overs. The partnership between Shreyas Iyer, who remained unbeaten with a spectacular 128* off 94 balls, and KL Rahul laid the foundation for India’s imposing total. Contributions from Rohit Sharma (61), Shubman Gill (51), and Virat Kohli (51) further bolstered India’s commanding performance with the bat.
The Netherlands, facing a mammoth task, witnessed Bas de Leede emerge as their leading wicket-taker with figures of 2/82. Paul Van Meekeren (1/90) and Roelof van der Merwe (1/53) also chipped in with a wicket each. The Netherlands now faces the challenging prospect of chasing down 411 runs to secure an ICC Champions Trophy spot, while India aims to defend the total and conclude the league stage with a perfect record of nine wins in nine matches.
